You know, if your heart is not set on floorstanding main speakers, you might find that the M22's plus the EP500 will be more than adequate. I'd be more inclined to take that step to save money than to skimp on the center channel. Also, you could save a bit by using M2's as the rear speakers, depending on your room configuration.

Drop the read surrounds and go for the better center. Having seamless transition between the fronts and the center will really enhance the movie experience.

I also agree that in your room you could go to the M22. In my direct listening experience in almost the same size room (12 x 20 x 8), the M22 + sub was pretty much the same as the M60 (minus the really low bits the sub provides).

On low frequency rumble and the EP500 being enough that's a tricky question. If you don't believe me, go to avsforum and read some of the DIY sub projects. If I had the money, I would upgrade my 350 to the EP800 or similar.

Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson

See? Nick and I agree on some things!

How much did you pay him?

_________________________
Fred

-------Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!

Patrique, welcome. If you go with tower speakers, go with the M60s. I'd also suggest that the M22s, when supported in the lowest bass by a good sub, would do an excellent job.

As to the center speaker, for really not that much more, the VP160 should be seriously considered. Or, at a lower cost, if you can place it, a vertical M22 makes a fine center.

Now, what I really want to bring to your attention is the receiver. The Onkyo 709 which your friend has is probably the unit that I've suggested the most over the past year or so, but the 717, which is supposedly its successor, has been significantly downgraded in a key area. The Audyssey MultEQ XT in the 709 has been downgraded two steps to the 2EQ, which doesn't equalize the subwoofer channel, for the low bass where correction is most needed. I'd suggest that the 717 be returned.

If a 709 can be found at a good price this would be a fine choice. If not, a Denon 2312, which is quite similar overall, should be considered.

Unfortunately I was too late to pick up a 709 Luckily a friend of mine from work, her boyfriend is an audio engineer for a concert venue, and in exchange for helping setup some PC stuff for him has volunteered to come over with some of his equipment and setup the room to my liking. Other features in the Onkyo made it the must have brand for me.

I really wanted to stay with new units, not refurb's. Also wanted to stay with local retailers, since I've had issues with international shipping (I'm in Canada) and electronics being tossed around in shipping.....

I think the 717 will suit me fine for what I need, though I agree, losing the MultiEQ XT was a big loss. It'll take a lot of tweaking by a person a lot smarter with this stuff than me to make up for it

Amazing overall what features become necessary (or at least highly wanted) over time. My last HT Receiver purchase required no where near this much research